Integrated Bone Screw Driver and Cement Delivery Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization procedures face difficulties in securing pedicle screws, especially in osteoporotic patients, due to the challenge of properly fixing screws within skeletal structures, and the arduous process of removing drivers and attaching cement delivery systems in percutaneous fenestrated screw procedures.
Innovation Solution
A fluid delivery and bone screw driver apparatus is developed, comprising an outer sleeve, inner shaft with a coupler and counter-torque bar, and a removable liner, which allows for secure attachment to a fenestrated screw, enabling efficient delivery of cementitious material and facilitating screw fixation without the need for complex disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current driver removal and delivery system attachment procedures are used, then cement delivery can be achieved, but the procedure becomes very arduous and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The driver and delivery system are merged into a single integrated apparatus where the delivery system is permanently attached to the driver shaft. This eliminates the need to remove the driver and separately attach a delivery system, directly resolving the procedural difficulty and time loss associated with separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated apparatus performs multiple functions: it acts as both a driver for screw installation and a delivery system for cement injection. The single device can drive the fenestrated screw into bone and then deliver cement through the same shaft, eliminating the need for multiple separate tools and simplifying the overall procedure.
2Reliability
If a fenestrated screw with cement delivery is used, then bone fixation is enhanced in osteoporotic patients, but the procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driver and delivery system are merged into a single integrated apparatus. This reduction in the number of separate components and steps actually simplifies the procedure despite maintaining the enhanced fixation capability provided by the fenestrated screw and cement delivery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is segmented into functional modules (driver shaft with fenestrations, delivery lumen, gasket, counter-torque bar) that work together in a coordinated sequence. This modular segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing overall procedural complexity compared to separate driver and delivery system operations.
3Ease of operation
If the driver remains attached to the screw during cement delivery, then the procedure is simplified, but torque application becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus segments the torque application function into a dedicated counter-torque bar that engages with the screw head slot, separating this function from the driving motion. This allows the main shaft to remain attached for cement delivery while the counter-torque bar provides the necessary rotational resistance for controlled torque application.
Solution Approach 2:
The counter-torque bar acts as an intermediary element between the operator's rotational input and the screw. It provides the counter-torque necessary for controlled driver rotation while allowing the driver to remain attached to the screw for continuous cement delivery during the driving process.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid delivery and bone screw driver apparatus attaches to a bone screw. An inner sleeve joins a material delivery source connected to one end of the inner sleeve to the bone screw connected to the other end. A removable liner communicates the material through the inner sleeve and into the bone screw. An outer sleeve seals the outer sleeve to the head of the bone screw. Rotating the outer sleeve tightens the seal and rotates the bone screw.